Corrections_Today_July_August_2020_Vol.82_No.4

National Correctional Officers and Employees Week

While there have been sweeping changes in many fields, the corrections field is one that has seen some of the largest and most necessary changes. This is in part because the corrections field is one of the most dangerous fields to work in during this time. As essential workers, our correctional employees and officers are constantly at-risk of contracting the virus. They’re constantly leaving the safety of their homes, spending time in places where it is nearly impossible to practice social distancing, and are spending time in locations where the virus can be easily transmitted. However, it is no surprise that, while the corrections field is dealing with this new threat, there are many ways it is also responding to the pandemic in positive ways. Correctional officers and employees are still hard at work ensuring their facilities are run properly and their inmates are receiving all the support they need. Here are just a few of the ways the field of corrections has lent its hand in reducing the curve and ensuring safety during the time of COVID-19: Safety and precautions Due to numerous regulations and safety protocols, it is now common, and, in many states, required that persons leaving their home take proper precautions to ensure the virus doesn’t spread as easily. Wearing facemasks to cover the mouth and nose has been seen as a necessary precaution, and the field of corrections has sought to ensure plenty of medical facemasks have been delivered to their facilities. In Pennsylvania, two employees at SCI Greene got into the

mask-making craze and made over 200 custom masks for their facility. These colorful, fun masks show their creativity and ability to find the bright side in this time. They’re not the only ones getting behind the mask making trend of this time. Back in May, the Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC) called on their community to donate supplies to make face masks for their facilities. By asking for elastic, hair ties, and anything that’s 100% cotton, IDOC was able to gather enough materials to cover any mask shortages, while also showing just how easy it is to make face coverings. It’s also in this time that many facilities and department of corrections began to offer free testing for correctional officers and employees and their families. Some states like Tennessee and North Carolina began offering free testing as May rolled around. “The continued health and safety of our dedicated staff are our priorities as they bravely carry out our public safety mission through this pandemic,” Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice Chief Deputy Secretary Tim Moose told WECT News 6 about North Carolina’s free testing. While it remains to be said exactly how effective these methods are in reducing the numbers, it’s a great, homemade start to reducing the numbers within these facilities.

Correctional officers and employees are still

hard at work ensuring their facilities are run properly and their inmates are receiving all the support they need.

New technology Many correctional facilities have begun adapting new technology in order to also help identify and reduce the spread of COVID-19. The Jackson County

Image courtesy of Pennsylvania Department of Corrections via Twitter

40 — July/August 2020 Corrections Today